Chapter 11

My heart pounded in my chest as I carefully closed the heavy oak door behind me, my fingers lingering on the cold metal handle for a moment longer than necessary. The dim candlelight from the prince’s chambers flickered, casting long shadows on the stone walls of the corridor. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. Sneaking out was always a risk, but the prince needed the herbs, and I couldn’t afford to waste time. This was the time the guards were our drinking. I had about an hour before they got back to their post.

The halls of the castle were eerily quiet at this hour, the silence broken only by the distant sounds of the night guards patrolling the outer walls. I moved swiftly but cautiously, my footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. My mind raced with several thoughts as I slipped through the hallways like a shadow. I didn’t want to get caught. Most importantly I didn’t want to get caught by Lark.

As I reached the hidden servant’s exit, I wrapped my cloak tightly around me, pulling the hood low over my face. The night air was cool, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees in the castle gardens. I slipped through the narrow gate and into the shadows, making my way to the market square where herb shop was located.

The market was deserted at this hour, the stalls and shops closed, their owners long since retired for the night. The herb shop however was still open, a soft golden glow spilling out from the windows. I had noticed that it stayed open long into the hours of the night whenever I watched it from the Prince’s windows. I hurried across the square, my heart lifting slightly at the sight of the familiar herbalist’s shop.

I pushed open the door and stepped inside, the bell above the door tinkling softly. The warm, fragrant air enveloped me, a welcome contrast to the cool night outside. Shelves lined the walls, filled with jars and bundles of dried herbs, each with its own distinct scent. At the back of the shop, the owner was busy grinding herbs with a mortar and pestle, his brow furrowed in concentration.

He looked up as I entered, surprise spreading across his face. “Amber eyes, it’s good to see you,” he said, wiping his hands on a cloth. “I was beginning to wonder if you would come back again.”

“Hello, Sir,” I replied, pulling my hood close and letting the warmth of the shop chase away the chill. “I’m sorry it’s so late. I couldn’t leave my master until now.”

The man’s expression softened with concern. “And how is your master?” he asked, gesturing for me to sit at the small wooden table near the hearth. “Is he any better?”

I shook my head, sinking into the chair with a sigh. “He needs more herbs. Herbs that would help him grow stronger. Heal faster and connect him with his wolf.”

The man nodded thoughtfully, reaching for a kettle on the hearth and pouring steaming water into two cups. “Let’s have some tea first,” he suggested, placing a cup in front of me. “Chamomile, to help calm your nerves.”

“I don’t think I have time for tea Sir.”

I said but the man ignored me.

“Nonsense. There’s always time for tea. My name is Damien.”

I hesitated first, before wrapping my hands around the cup, letting the warmth seep into my fingers. “Thank you,” I murmured, taking a sip of the fragrant tea. The soothing effect was almost immediate, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly.

Damien sat down across from me, his eyes studying my face. “You look exhausted, amber eyes. You’ve probably been working too hard. You need to take care of yourself, too.”

I managed a small smile. “I’ll be fine. My master needs me more than ever right now.”

Damien leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine. “You must care for your master a great deal,” he observed, his tone gentle. “It’s not often I see such loyalty and concern from a slave.”

I glanced away, focusing on the swirling patterns in my tea. “He’s a good person,” I said quietly. “He doesn’t deserve to suffer like this.”

“Have you known him long?” Damien asked, his curiosity evident. “Or is it his illness that is making you pity him like this? How do you know he’s such a good person who doesn’t deserve to suffer?”

“Did you know the life he led before his strange illness afflicted him?”

I felt a pang of irritation at his question. “I’ve known him long enough to know his character,” I replied, my tone sharper than I intended. “Besides, he has always treated me with respect.”

Damien raised his hands in a gesture of peace. “I didn’t mean to upset you,” he said. “I just find it unusual, that’s all. Most slaves despise their masters.”

“Well, my master is not like most masters,” I said firmly, setting my cup down. “And I’m grateful for that.”

There was a moment of silence, the crackling of the hearth fire the only sound. Damien’s expression softened again, and he leaned forward slightly. “Young woman, I’m only concerned for you. You come here so late at night asking for herbs for your beloved master. It is quite unusual. If there’s anything I can do to help you, please tell me.”

I looked into his eyes, seeing genuine concern there. It was comforting, in a way, to know that someone cared. But I couldn’t afford to let my guard down. The prince’s wellbeing was my priority, and I couldn’t let anything distract me from that.

“Thank you, Sir Damien,” I said, standing up. “But I should go. My master needs these herbs, and I don’t want to be gone for too long.”

Damien nodded, rising to his feet as well. “Of course. Let me get the herbs for you.” He moved to a shelf and selected a few bundles of dried plants, placing them carefully into a small pouch. “These should help. Brew them into a tea and have him drink it twice a day.”

I took the pouch, feeling a wave of gratitude. “Thank you, for your help.”

He smiled, his eyes warm. “Will you at least tell me who you are now? Your name perhaps?”

He asked and I smiled a bit. Could I take that risk?

I shrugged as I decided to. He probably won’t remember me without the hood.

“My name is Ariadne.”

“What a pretty name!” He exclaimed.

“Well, take care of yourself, Ariadne. And remember, if you ever need to talk, I’m here.”

I nodded, pulling my cloak around me once more. “I will. Thank you.” With that, I turned and left the shop, the bell tinkling softly behind me.

……..


I entered the prince's chambers with a quiet resolve, carefully closing the heavy wooden door behind me. The soft light of the flickering candles illuminated his worried face, casting long shadows that danced across the walls. He stood up as soon as he saw me, his eyes full of concern.

"Ariadne," he said, his voice laced with anxiety, "are you alright?"

I offered him a reassuring smile, trying to ease his fears. "Yes, I'm fine," I replied, stepping closer to him.

He reached out, gently taking my hand in his. "You were out late," he murmured, his gaze searching mine for answers.

"I was buying some herbs for you," I explained, lifting my other hand to show him the small satchel I had brought with me. "I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed to speed up your recovery."

His expression softened, but his worry did not fade. "Please, don't stay out late again. It's not safe."

“Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. I'll be fine."

He shook his head, a sad smile tugging at his lips. "All I do is worry about you Ariadne. I worry because I can't protect you from here, Ariadne. I'm scared that someone might hurt you."

I looked into his eyes, by someone I knew who he meant. It was none other than Lark. I felt bad, seeing the depth of his fear and the weight of his responsibility. "I promise I'll stay safe," I said softly, trying to offer him some comfort.

He nodded, but the concern in his eyes lingered. "Please," he urged again, "just be careful."

"I will," I assured him. "Now, let me brew these herbs for you."

He watched silently as I moved to the kitchen, I set a pot to boil and carefully added the herbs like Damien had told me to. I pondered on some of the words Damien had said and wondered if I had told him too much by telling him my name.

When the concoction was ready, I poured a cup and handed it to him.

"Drink this your highness," I said, "it will help you rest."

He took the cup, his fingers brushing against mine as he did. "Thank you, Ariadne," he said, taking a sip and closing his eyes briefly in appreciation. The tension in his shoulders seemed to ease as the warmth of the herbs worked their magic.

I watched him for a moment, relieved to see him relax. "I will head to bed now," I said softly, turning to head to my own quarters.

But before I could take a step, he called out to me. "Ariadne, please... stay with me tonight. Lie by my side."

I paused, his request catching me off guard.

“Your highness…”

I began to hesitate.

“Please.”

He interrupted me. The vulnerability in his voice tugged at my heart. "Of course," I replied, moving back towards him.

There was room for me on the bed, and I slipped under the covers, feeling the warmth of his presence beside me. As I lay down, he wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close. I felt a sense of comfort and safety, his steady heartbeat lulling me into a peaceful state.

"Thank you," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.

I smiled in the darkness, feeling the weight of the day melt away. "You're welcome," I murmured, closing my eyes.